Cristian Chivu has been appointed as the new head coach of Inter Milan, according to multiple reports in Italy. The former Inter defender, who had been in charge of Parma for the final 13 matches of the Serie A season, has signed a two-year contract with the option for a further extension. The move comes after Simone Inzaghi's departure and represents a swift return to the club where Chivu won the treble as a player under Jose Mourinho.
The 42-year-old Romanian was reportedly en route to sign a contract extension with Parma when he received a call from Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta, prompting an immediate change of direction. Chivu had previously stated he would only leave Parma for one specific opportunity, which materialized with Inter's offer. His initial mission, as outlined by the club's leadership, is to oversee a non-traumatic transition and keep Inter competitive in the Champions League, with no immediate demand to win the title.
Chivu's appointment follows Inter's reported initial interest in other candidates, including former midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The club's directors, Marotta and Piero Ausilio, ultimately opted for Chivu's deep knowledge of the club's culture, given his history as a player and his recent success in winning a league title with Inter's Primavera youth team. His brief but effective stint at Parma, where he secured the club's top-flight status with a series of crucial results, demonstrated his capability to manage under pressure.
The new manager inherits a squad in need of rejuvenation after a period of instability. His first task will be to regain the confidence of a core group of players described as fatigued and disillusioned following a disappointing early exit from the Club World Cup. The summer transfer window will be crucial, with reported targets like Ademola Lookman and Manu Koné not materializing, forcing Chivu to work with the existing group and any new, more targeted arrivals.
Chivu's philosophy appears to center on changing the team's mentality, moving away from a culture of complaints, as he hinted in response to early refereeing controversies. He is expected to persist with a 3-5-2 formation, a system familiar to the Inter squad. The immediate challenge will be to start the new Serie A season strongly and consolidate Inter's position among Italy's elite, balancing domestic ambitions with the demands of European football.
